AIR CONCERNS – A public hearing held in Newark on the raising of the roadway for the Bayonne Bridge to accommodate larger cargo container ships passing under it, the federal Environmental Protection Agency said it has some questions regarding the potential negative impacts on air quality.

John McShea, 18, of Bayonne was sentenced to five years in state prison for his role in the beating of Dawid Strucinski on July 3, 2011.

McShea, who was the last of 11 defendants to be sentenced and the only one given time in jail, was among a pack of teens that attacked Strucinski during group dispute near the Quick Chek on Broadway in the early morning hours. Strucinski, a very popular resident of Bayonne and then a student at Rutgers University, apparently tried to break up a dispute and became the target of attack that left him in a coma for almost a month. Though he regained consciousness, reports say he has become withdrawn and still needs help with dressing and eating.

McShea pleaded guilty last October to second-degree aggravated assault and received a five-year sentence from Judge Paul DePascale on Feb. 22, less than the maximum seven years he could have received.

In a statement issued to the court, Strucinski’s family apparently are in financial straits in an attempt to pay the medical bills associated with Dawid’s injuries and are on the verge of losing their home. Family members, according to published reports, may be preparing a civil suit against the attackers.

County to repair areas of Bayonne

The Hudson County Board of Chosen Freeholders voted on Feb. 14 to approve improvements to John F. Kennedy Blvd from West First Street to West 31st Street in the City of Bayonne for over $93,000.

These improvements will include reset junction boxes, concrete curbs and detectable warning surfaces to construct two handicap ramps.

County to accept security grant

The Hudson County Board of Chosen Freeholders voted to accept an Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security through the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness in the amount of $298,000 dollars.

The grant must be expended during the period of Sept. 1, 2012, to Aug. 31, 2014.

The Hudson County Board of Freeholders stated that these Homeland Security grants could be used to purchase equipment, sure up strategic locations throughout Hudson County, train personnel and provide resources to the municipalities of Hudson County.

HCCC to receive bookshelf grant from National Endowment for the Humanities

The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) has named Hudson County Community College (HCCC) as one of just 842 libraries and state humanities councils throughout the United States and its possessions to be awarded the Muslim Journeys Bookshelf Award. The award, a collection of books, films and other resources, is intended to better acquaint the American public with the history and culture of Muslims in the U.S. and around the world.

“Hudson County’s greatest asset is the rich diversity of its people,” said Hudson County Community College President Dr. Glen Gabert, noting that students at the College come from over 115 nations and speak 29 different languages. “This incredible collection will provide us all with a better understanding and greater appreciation of our Muslim neighbors.”

Dr. Gabert noted that Hudson County Community College is one of just five colleges and universities and the only community college in New Jersey to be awarded the collection. Fairleigh Dickinson University, Monmouth University Library, Montclair State University and Rowan University are also recipients of the collection.

GFWC Peninsula Women’s Club holds Dress For Success drive

The GFWC Peninsula Women’s Club will conduct a Dress for Success and Prom Dress Clothing Drive on March 2. Club members will be available at the Richard L. Korpi Ice Rink between the hours of 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. to accept donations.

In 2012, the PWC’s successful prom dress collection enabled 28 local girls to attend their proms and graduations in style. Please think about donating your gently-used special occasion and bridesmaid dresses to this worthy cause. In addition to dresses, the PWC will also be accepting shoes, jewelry, handbags and accessories to help the girls feel even more like Cinderella. Garments of all sizes will be accepted. Plus sizes are especially needed.

For this year’s collection, the Club will also be taking donations for Dress for Success and Suits for Success. These organizations prepare women and men for entry into the workforce by providing them with suitable business attire. Any and all business attire, both men’s and women’s, will be accepted along with shoes and accessories.

For more information, contact Mary Kay Tokar at (201) 320-8403 or president@peninsulawc.org. The club is on Facebook at GFWC Peninsula Women’s Club, and on the web at www.peninsulawc.org. For information about the NJSFWC, visit www.njsfwc.org or call (732) 249-5474.